§ 5. Mr. BROOKEasked the Minister of Labour how the cost-of-living index figure issued by her Department is arrived at; and whether she is satisfied that it provides a correct indication of the facts?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI am sending my hon. Friend an extract from the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" for February, 1921, containing a detailed account of the method of compilation of the cost-of-living index figure. As stated in that article, the object of the figure is to provide a measure of "the average increase in the cost of maintaining unchanged the pre-War standard of living of the working classes." I know of no reason for thinking that on this basis the figures do not provide a correct indication of the facts.
§ Mr. BROOKEHave any representations been made to the right hon. Lady by organised bodies as to the methods of ascertainment of this figure, and have any deputations been received?
§ Miss BONDFIELDNo, they have not made any representations.